The Montana Grizzlies (10-5, 3-0 BigSky) welcome the Northern Colorado Bears (11-5, 2-1 BigSky) to Dahlberg Arena as they attempt to continue their seven-game home winning streak. The game gets underway at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 6, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 148 points with Montana opening as a 6-point favorite.
Northern Colorado Bears at Montana Grizzlies Betting Prediction
In the Bears’ last outing, they were beaten by the Montana State Bobcats, 76-64. Montana State’s 0.236 free throw rate was their largest strength over Northern Colorado, who had a mark of 0.113. The Bobcats’ mark was below their season average of 0.276, while the Bears’ was below their season average of 0.220. Jordan Davis was Northern Colorado’s leading scorer with 18 points on 6-for-12 shooting.
The Grizzlies easily got past the North Dakota Fighting Hawks in their last contest, 109-79. The Grizzlies had a great turnover percentage of 9.3 (better than their season average of 16.2) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.677 (above their season average of 0.486). With 22 points and 11 rebounds, Jamar Akoh put together a solid performance for Montana.
The battle on the backboards could prove decisive, pitting strength against strength. The Grizzlies are among the nation’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 48th in offensive rebounding percentage at 35.0 percent. Meanwhile, Northern Colorado ranks 27th in the NCAA at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 75.7 percent. Also, the Bears rank 46th in turnover percentage (16.7 percent), while the Grizzlies rank 16th in opponents’ turnover percentage (24.2 percent).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Andre Spight (24.2 points, 4.4 assists and 1.4 steals) has been stellar for the Bears while Akoh (18.4 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.2 steals) has made solid contributions to the Grizzlies.
After the Grizzlies won the only game against the Bears last season, 89-68, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Grizzlies had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.637 vs. 0.444) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (29.4 vs. 23.1).
Northern Colorado Bears vs. Montana Grizzlies Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Montana, ATS Winner – Northern Colorado, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Northern Colorado ranks 33rd in three pointers attempted per game (26.8) while Montana ranks 235th (18.4).
The Bears rank 26th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while the Grizzlies rank 164th (5.0).
Montana ranks 34th in steals per game (8.0) while Northern Colorado ranks 135th (5.9).
The Grizzlies rank 120th in rebounds per game (36.8) while the Bears rank 190th in rebounds allowed per game (36.8).
Montana allows the sixth-fewest assists per game (9.6) while Northern Colorado ranks 59th (11.6).
Bettings Trends:
The Bears’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.8, down from 8.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Grizzlies have scored an average of 84.8 points per game (8.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 66.2 points per game (2.3 below their season average).
